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Featured Application: Elevation of the mandatory number of physical education lessons in school curricula is an efficient strategy for reducing obesity in school-aged children. (1) Background: Overweight children usually have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than their normal-weight peers. Low PA predisposes to an increase in body fat mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of school-based PA intervention on the anthropometric indicators and body composition of overweight and obese children during a two-year observation period, from the age of 10 to 12. (2) Materials and methods: The research included 148 children with overweight or obesity who were born in 2007. There were two groups of children with standard and elevated PA at school (SPA and EPA; 4 and 10 h of physical education lessons a week, respectively). Anthropometric and body composition measurements were carried out. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), and total body water (TBW) were estimated. In total, five measurements were conducted at intervals of 5–6 months. (3) Results: In EPA group, the percentage of obese children decreased from 46% to 35.25%, and in SPA group, this percentage increased from 42.75% to 46%. Only 3.33% of children in the standard PA group (one child) and 17.2% in the elevated PA group (six children) changed their BMI and FM categories from overweight to normal body mass. In EPA children, FM decreased from 28.65% to 26.41%, and in SPA children, it increased from 30.31% to 31.75%. The highest increase in FFM was in EPA boys, while SPA boys recorded the highest decrease. In SPA children, SMM increased by 0.43% from 38.85% to 39.28%, and in EPA children, it increased by 2.51% from 40.27% to 42.78%. In EPA children, TBW slightly increased from 53.26% to 53.59%, and in SPA children, it decreased from 50.70% to 49.93%. (4) Conclusions: Elevated PA at school has a positive effect on the BMI and body composition of children who are overweight or obese. Increasing the mandatory number of physical education lessons in school curricula is an efficient strategy for reducing obesity in school-aged children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish oil is the richest dietary source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Stabilisation of omega-3 PUFA against oxidation is an important task in food processing. The ability of modified celluloses to act as microencapsulating agents for fish oil was investigated. Fish oil microcapsules were produced by spray-drying of homogenised emulsions containing modified celluloses and maltodextrin as coating materials. The quality of microcapsules was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, determination of encapsulation efficiency, peroxide value during storage and solubility in water. Methylocellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylocellulose (HPMC) showed good emulsifying properties. Homogenisation of emulsions resulted in creation of high amount of stable foam. More damage occurred in the powders coated with HPMC. The oil retention level was very high, 98.5% (i.e. up to 400.0 g/kg ready powder). Samples with fish oil content of approximately 500.0 g/kg exhibited more structural damage impairing the stabilisation effect. This study indicates that the use of modified cellulose, especially MC, as a coating material for the preparation of spray-dried fish oil microcapsules improves the stability and the concentration of fish oil in the powder.

The defining characteristics of the traditional Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) cuisine have been the richness in indigenous foods and ingredients, herbs and spices, fermented foods and beverages, and healthy and whole ingredients used. It is crucial to safeguard the recognized benefits of mainstream traditional foods and ingredients, which gradually eroded in the last decades. Notwithstanding poverty, chronic hunger, malnutrition, and undernourishment in the region, traditional eating habits have been related to positive health outcomes and sustainability. The research prevailed dealing with food availability and access rather than the health, nutrition, and diet quality dimensions of food security based on what people consume per country and on the missing data related to nutrient composition of indigenous foods. As countries become more economically developed, they shift to "modern" occidental foods rich in saturated fats, salt, sugar, fizzy beverages, and sweeteners. As a result, there are increased incidences of previously unreported ailments due to an unbalanced diet. Protein-rich foods in dietary guidelines enhance only those of animal or plant sources, while rich protein sources such as mushrooms have been absent in these charts, even in developed countries. This article considers the valorization of traditional African foodstuffs and ingredients, enhancing the importance of establishing food-based dietary guidelines per country. The crux of this review highlights the potential of mushrooms, namely some underutilized in the SSA, which is the continent's little exploited gold mine as one of the greatest untapped resources for feeding and providing income for Africa's growing population, which could play a role in shielding Sub-Saharan Africans against the side effects of an unhealthy stylish diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper demonstrates the ability of a functional food based on probiotics and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) to annihilate the toxic effect of cadmium on the kidneys. SeNPs were obtained by eco-friendly method used Lactobacillus casei. The morphological features and size of SeNPS were characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Two kind of SeNPs were used, purified and Lacto-SeNPs (LSeNPs), administered by gavage at three concentrations (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/Kg b.w.) for 30 days in a mouse model of cadmium renal toxicity. The blood marker of renal injury (creatinine) significantly decreased in groups where the mice were treated with both form of SeNPs. The antioxidant capacity of plasma was evaluated by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assay and revealed that SeNPs in co-treatment with Cd, promotes maintaining antioxidant activity at the control level. Histopathological analysis of kidneys demonstrated morphological alteration in the group that received only cadmium and restored after administration of SeNPs or LSeNPs. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed anti-apoptotic effects through reduction of pro-apoptotic bax and increasing of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expressions. Moreover, co-administration of Cd with SeNPs significantly decreased gene expression of kidneys inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-ĸB) in a dose dependent manner, with the best results for LSeNPs at highest dose (0.4 mg/kg). Therefore, the L. casei strain is a potential SeNPs-enriched probiotic for application as functional food in the future to annihilate cadmium-induced kidneys toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The application of yellow tea components in confectionery indicates a new direction in functional foods' design process as it influences the antioxidant activity, sensory value and health promoting value of the final product. Chocolate and tea leaves are considered the most valuable sources of highly bioactive polyphenols due to their potential anti-cancer properties and beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. The objective of the present study was the development of a sensory profiling modality that is correlated with the taste of the chocolate enriched with yellow tea phytochemicals. The additive concentration was optimized in white chocolate and the designed product was evaluated using the sensory profiling method. It was shown that the yellow tea extract in chocolate had a significant effect on the taste and color of the product. Addition of 2.0% yellow tea powdered extract increased the value of color acceptance and caused an intensification of the aromas, particularly the leafy taste, compared to the control samples. The next step of the study was to determine the influence of tea addition in white, milk and dark chocolate subjected to 6 months of storage. The designed chocolates were tested for their activity as antioxidants (DPPH, ABTS and ORAC assay) and cholinesterase inhibitors (AChE, BChE assay). It was confirmed that the yellow tea addition affected the activity of prepared chocolates with respect to radical scavenging activity and was highest for dark chocolate with yellow tea where the values were as follows: 4373 mg Tx/100 g (DPPH), 386 mg Tx/100 g (ABTS) and 4363 µM Tx/100 g (ORAC). An increase in the anti-radical activity of chocolate with yellow tea was found after 3 months of storage, but the subsequent 3 months of storage resulted in its reduction. AChE values ranged from 0.118 to 0.730 [µM eserine/g dw] and from 0.095 to 0.480 [µM eserine/g dw] for BChE assay. Total capacity to inhibit AChE and BChE differed depending on the type of chocolate and was negatively influenced by the half-year storage. Summarizing tested values for individual samples were higher, with increasing content of cocoa liquor and yellow tea extract in the product. The results of the research show that the use of yellow tea in confectionery is promising and may appoint a new direction in functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of globalization in recent years has favored the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles for many people, increasing their likelihood of diseases with silent symptoms. Longevity spinach (Gynura procumbens L.) is a medicinal plant that has strong phenolic compounds which could act as natural antioxidants to reduce the chance of contracting severe silent diseases. This study was focused on the feasibility of an affordable herbal supplement manufacturing plant using longevity spinach with a water solvent. Production simulation was carried out using SuperPro Designer v.9.0, and an estimated annual production of 26,082 bottles was analyzed based on several economic parameters. The production process for herbal supplements from longevity spinach extract consisted of leaf-washing, drying, and grinding, as well as active compound extraction from leaves with water, filtration, evaporation, freeze-drying, and encapsulation. For 30 encapsulated herbal supplements, prices started from USD 22.8/bottle, and the designed production plant was economically feasible (PBP = ±17 months, IRR = 91.65%, and NPV = USD 3,972,653.13). It can be concluded that encapsulated longevity spinach water extract could become an affordable herbal supplement, with feasible manufacturing for further investment activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional foods (TFs) have a significant impact on the society and the economy of the areas where they are produced. The COVID-19 crisis, with the restrictions on daily living, is expected to cause a long-term influence on peoples' lives worldwide. This paper investigates the consumers' attitude and perception of TFs of northwest Greece in order to assess the possible impact of the pandemic toward the consumption of this kind of food. A questionnaire survey of self-response was carried out in fall 2020 on a sample of 510 participants through the Google platform. To analyze the data, basic descriptive statistical tools were used, combined with crosstabs and chi-square tests. The results revealed that the participants know the regional TFs well, continue to choose them due to a number of reasons, which include: the quality to price ratio, being local products with local raw materials, the nutritional properties, the social impact, as well as their positive impact to the regional economy and promotion. They buy them primarily from the supermarkets. They would recommend them to others, and they have increased their consumption during the pandemic, even though they consider their marketing inadequate, and they do not purchase them through the Internet yet. They believe that consumers in other regions of Greece would buy them if they had access to them. The foods of choice are traditional cheese and other dairy products, followed by wines, and aromatic herbs, which are the main regional TFs. These results indicate that the COVID-19 crisis has not interfered in consumers' attitudes and perceptions regarding TFs; therefore, they have the potential to expand and grow further in the future. In fact, they can play a vital role as major economic drivers in the post-COVID-19 era for the regional and local economies of Europe and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Illumination with blue + red LEDs during the nights of retail sale periods is recommended to increase carotenogenesis in bell peppers. This night-time photoperiod combined with a low postharvest UV-B dose in a logistic centre may present a synergistic effect on the carotenoid accumulation in these fruits. Background: Our objective was to evaluate carotenoid accumulation in bell peppers during shelf life under different light conditions. Methods: Fruit stored for 6 d at 7 °C received a 9 kJ m−2 UV-B treatment, while non-UV-treated were used as control (CTRL). Subsequently, all peppers were disposed for a retail sale period of 4 d at 20 °C with a photoperiod of 14 h under fluorescent light (FL) + 10 h under darkness (D), FL, or blue + red LEDs (BR LED). Results: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased by the UV-B treatment and the photoperiods supplemented with FL and BR LED, which was directly related to the carotenoid content. In fact, CTRL peppers (225 mg β-carotene kg−1) under FL+BR LED showed an increase of ~33% of 13-cis-β-carotene, ~24% of all-trans-β-carotene, and ~27.5% of 9-cis-β-carotene compared to FL + D and FL + FL. Capsaicinoids showed an increase by ~22%, ~38%, and ~27% in the content of capsanthin, capsanthin laurate, and capsanthin esters, respectively, after the UV-B treatment, which was even enhanced after the LED-supplemented photoperiod by ~18% compared to FL+D. Conclusions: Illumination with BR LEDs + UV-B during the retail sale period nights is recommended to increase the bioactive content of bell peppers via carotenoid accumulation to 270 mg β-carotene kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanocobalamin is the most widespread form of vitamin B12, which is sufficient for humans. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products. However, supplementation does not have to be necessary because certain amounts of vitamin B12 are present in plant products. Previous studies showed significant contents of cyanocobalamin in sea buckthorn and in sauerkraut. In this study, selected products such as sea-buckthorn jam and fermented plant products (obtained by lactic acid fermentation) were tested in a search for vitamin B12. Bacteria involved in this type of fermentation have the potential to produce cyanocobalamin. Popular fermented plant products on the Polish market were selected, namely sauerkraut and pickled cucumbers, as well as parsley juice, beetroot juice and white borscht. The analysis was carried out using HPLC-UV. Most of the analyzed products did not contain significant levels of vitamin B12. Only sea-buckthorn jam and pickled parsley juice can provide the amount of vitamin B12 needed to prevent deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research was conducted to investigate the chemical profile, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts obtained by two different methods including maceration and Soxhlet from Berberis hispanica Boiss. & Reut. Antiproliferative activities were evaluated by the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay in four human cancer cell lines including prostate (LnCap and 22 RV1) and breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF7). The antioxidant power was evaluated by DPPH ((2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and FRAPS (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) tests. The chemical composition was conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after methylation. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were assessed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The phytochemical analysis showed that the tested extracts possessed inserting potentially active compounds. The MTT test revealed that both extracts (maceration and Soxhlet) reduced cell viability in all cell lines tested. In breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, the IC50 values obtained by maceration were 16.55 ± 0.58 and 17.95 ± 0.58 µg/mL, respectively. These values were slightly lower than those obtained with the Soxhlet extract toward MDA-MB-231 (19.93 ± 0.74 µg/mL) and MCF-7 (20.22 ± 0.89 µg/mL). Regarding prostate cancer cells 22 RV and LnCap, the IC50 values obtained by maceration extract (22 RV: 11.75 ± 0.35 µg/mL; LnCap: 11.91 ± 0.54 µg/mL) were also slightly lower than those obtained with Soxhlet (22 RV: 13.47 ± 0.52 µg/mL; LnCap: 19.64 ± 1.05 µg/mL). The antioxidant activity showed that the studied extracts had considerable antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS) with particular attention to the extract obtained with maceration. The Berberis hispanica Bois. and Reut. can serve society as it provides potentially bioactive compounds that may find application in the medical sector to control such diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, biomolecules, such as membrane proteins, lipids, and DNA, were identified and their spatial distribution was mapped within a single Escherichia coli cell by Raman hyperspectral imaging. Raman spectroscopy allows direct, nondestructive, rapid, and cost-effective analysis of biological samples, minimizing the sample preparation and without the need of chemical label or immunological staining. Firstly, a comparison between an air-dried and a freeze-dried cell was made, and the principal vibrational modes associated to the membrane and nucleic acids were identified by the bacterium's Raman chemical fingerprint. Then, analyzing the Raman hyperspectral images by multivariate statistical analysis, the bacterium biological status was investigated at a subcellular level. Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied for dimensionality reduction of the spectral data, then spectral unmixing was performed by multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR-ALS). Thanks to multivariate data analysis, the DNA segregation and the Z-ring formation of a replicating bacterial cell were detected at a sub-micrometer level, opening the way to real-time molecular analysis that could be easily applied on in vivo or ex vivo biological samples, avoiding long preparation and analysis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-Arginine (Arg) has been widely used due to its functional properties as a substrate for nitric oxide (NO) generation. However, L-citrulline (CIT), whose main natural source is watermelon, is a non-essential amino acid but which has important health potential. This review provides a comprehensive approach to different studies of the endogenous synthesis of CIT, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics as well as its ergogenic effect in exercise performance. The novel aspect of this paper focuses on the different effects of CIT, citrulline malate and CIT from natural sources such as watermelon on several topics, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, cancer, and exercise performance. CIT from watermelon could be a natural food-sourced substitute for pharmacological products and therefore the consumption of this fruit is promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multifaceted metabolic disorder that results in dysfunction and failure of various organs. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of Thymoquinone (TQ), on antidiabetic, oxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory activities in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (55 mg/kg b.w) diabetic rats. TQ was orally given for 8 consecutive weeks at dose of 150 mg/kg b.w. The blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function enzymes, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels were measured accordingly in control, diabetes control (DC), and TQ-treatment groups. These experiments confirmed that TQ conserves the insulin level (0.4 ng/mL vs. 0.23 ng/mL), fasting blood glucose (146 ± 7 mg/dL vs. 225 ± 5 mg/dL), and HbA1c (7.5% vs. 10.6%) quite considerably as compared to DC animals. Our results also confirmed that TQ treatment conserves the body weight and lipid profile significantly in STZ-treated animals as compared to the DC group. Moreover, the antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, GST, and CAT) levels decreased, liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, CRP, IL-1β, IL-6) increased by STZ treatment, that is significantly restored after TQ treatment. As compared to untreated animals, TQ restored the hepatocytes architectural changes and collagen fibers and cox-2 protein expression in liver tissues as evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemistry staining. Taken together, all these findings indicated that TQ ameliorates glucose level and lipid metabolism. It restores liver function, antioxidant enzymes, anti-inflammatory markers, and maintains hepatocytes architecture in STZ-induced diabetes mellitus rats. Here, in this study, we have demonstrated for the first time the role of TQ in the reduction of the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and fibrosis formation in diabetic rats. Based on the findings, the study suggests that TQ is a novel natural drug with a wide range of clinical applications including the management of diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brewing is among the oldest biotechnological processes, in which barley malt and—to a lesser extent—wheat malt are used as conventional raw materials. Worldwide, 85–90% of beer production is now produced with adjuvants, with wide variations on different continents. This review proposes the use of two other cereals as raw materials in the manufacture of beer, corn and sorghum, highlighting the advantages it recommends in this regard and the disadvantages, so that they are removed in technological practice. The use of these cereals as adjuvants in brewing has been known for a long time. Recently, research has intensified regarding the use of these cereals (including in the malted form) to obtain new assortments of beer from 100% corn malt or 100% sorghum malt. There is also great interest in obtaining gluten-free beer assortments, new nonalcoholic or low-alcohol beer assortments, and beers with an increased shelf life, by complying with current food safety regulations, under which maize and sorghum can be used in manufacturing recipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercholesterolemia is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent studies reported that the stimulation of transintestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE), a nonbiliary cholesterol excretion, can be a strategy for preventing CVD. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has been reported to reduce the risk of CVD via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic effects. However, little is known about the role of black elderberry in intestinal cholesterol metabolism despite its well-known effects on cholesterol homeostasis regulation. To investigate the effects of polyphenol-rich black elderberry extract (BEE) on intestinal cholesterol metabolism, we measured the expression of genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis and flux in Caco-2 cells. BEE significantly decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of genes for cholesterol absorption, such as Niemann–Pick C1 Like 1 and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). In contrast, there was marked induction of low-density lipoprotein receptor, ABCG5/G8, and ABCB1 in BEE-treated Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, BEE decreased the expression of genes for lipogenesis and altered the mRNA levels of sirtuins. All of the genes altered by BEE were in the direction of flux cholesterol from the basolateral to apical side of enterocytes, indicating stimulation of TICE. These results support the hypocholesterolemic effects of BEE for the prevention of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite that photophobia and phonophobia are well-known symptoms related to migraine, it is unclear whether they affect daily life activities during the headache-free period. Objective: To evaluate the interictal photophobia/phonophobia intensity during daily activities in migraineurs and non-headache individuals. Methods: Women with migraine without aura (MoA, n = 30), migraine with aura (MA, n = 30), chronic migraine (CM, n = 30) and without headache (CG, n = 30) reported the photophobia and phonophobia intensity during daily activities using a Likert scale ranging from 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (maximum discomfort). Results: The migraine groups reported higher intensity of interictal photophobia and phonophobia than CG during "driving" and "social situations", respectively (p < 0.05). MA and CM groups presented higher intensity of phonophobia than CG, hearing sounds in everyday situations and listening to conversations in noisy places (p < 0.05). Also, the MA group presented higher interictal phonophobia than the CG to keep concentration in noisy places (p < 0.05). Weak positive correlations were observed between the intensity of both photophobia and phonophobia with migraine intensity, frequency of migraine and frequency of aura (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Interictally, the intensity of photophobia and phonophobia reported during daily activities is higher in patients with migraine, especially those with aura and chronic migraine, than in non-headache subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]